The Gold Coast Titans are set for a significant change in leadership as coach Des Hasler is expected to retire at the end of the current NRL season. This development follows a mutual agreement between Hasler and the Titans, as reported by Michael Carayannis of The Daily Telegraph. Speaking on SEN’s Vossy & Brandy, Carayannis explained that while the departure will be termed a retirement, it is essentially a mutual understanding that Hasler will not continue as the Titans’ coach in 2026.
“It’ll be called a retirement but it’s a mutual understanding,” Carayannis stated. The announcement comes as the Titans struggle at the bottom of the ladder, with only four wins this season, making their chances of reaching the finals slim.
Contractual Clauses and Performance
Hasler’s current three-year contract with the Titans, set to expire at the end of 2026, includes specific performance-based clauses. According to Carayannis, these clauses require the team to make the top eight in 2025 for Hasler to remain with the club in 2026. Failure to meet this criterion allows the Titans to release Hasler from his duties.
“He originally signed a three-year deal but there’s clauses in his deal and one of those is a top eight clause,” Carayannis said. “That is if they don’t make the top eight this year, the Titans are under no obligation to keep him at the club next year.”
Furthermore, the contract includes a provision that permits an immediate split if the team is mathematically eliminated from finals contention.
Ownership Changes and Future Prospects
The coaching change coincides with significant shifts in the Titans’ ownership structure. On Tuesday, the club announced that Darryl Kelly has sold his half-share, leaving Rebecca and Brett Frizelle as the sole owners. This transition in ownership could potentially influence the club’s strategic direction and future appointments.
Speculation has already begun regarding potential successors for Hasler, with former Broncos coach Kevin Walters being a prominent name in discussions. The Titans’ management will likely seek a coach who can rejuvenate the team and improve their standings in the coming seasons.
Hasler’s Legacy and Career Reflections
Des Hasler’s tenure with the Titans has been marked by challenges, including a 14th-place finish in his first season in 2024, with only eight wins. Despite these struggles, Hasler’s coaching career is distinguished by his previous successes. He led Manly to premiership victories in 2008 and 2011 and guided the team to a grand final appearance in 2007. Additionally, he coached the Bulldogs to grand final appearances in 2012 and 2014.
Phil Rothfield, on his Off The Record podcast, commented, “I have a feeling though after such a disastrous season that you heard it here first he will retire from rugby league.”
Hasler’s decision to retire appears to be amicable, with Rothfield noting that Hasler is not seeking a contentious exit over the remaining year of his contract.
Challenges and Future Directions
The Titans face additional challenges as key players, such as skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, express concerns about the club’s direction. Fa’asuamaleaui has indicated that he needs to see more commitment from the club to remain a Titan, highlighting the need for a cohesive strategy moving forward.
As the Titans prepare for the next phase, the focus will be on rebuilding and setting a foundation for future success. The club’s leadership changes, both in coaching and ownership, could serve as a catalyst for revitalization, provided they can align their vision with performance on the field.
In the coming months, the Titans will need to navigate these transitions carefully, ensuring that they appoint a coach capable of steering the team out of its current predicament and into a more competitive position in the NRL.
